Network Shrinkage

Interesting thread and with the usual mix of desires re CLs. Some want at least EHU, others full fat EHUs and other preferring the basic sites. I never use anything but CLs and as many of you know, I have even moved from EHU CLs preferring to use modern tech to power my van which has been very successful. Hitch makes the point regarding ‘thousands of pounds worth ‘ of modern equipment standing idle if not on EHU. Sorry Hitch, it really isn’t like that. I use everything on board including the microwave and even an electric toaster. For those who are not willing to give non EHU a go, they will never find out what it offers. The other valid point is the 60 yr old system that CLs work under- Would I worry if there were 8 vans on site? No I wouldn’t particularly if the CL owner is happier and is likely to stay open and with the added security that extra eyes offer! I have spoken to CL owners over the past 4 years since I have been non EHU and can say that all of them are glad they didn’t go down the EHU route. They see the modern technology coming on board and are genuinely excited  about it as the visitor numbers grow. They haven’t invested thousands in cables and bollards, showers, toilets or anything else- they simply offer a bit of land for me to park on for a fair price which is, in my humble opinion, the grass roots of caravanning. I never have problems booking sites now where as before, I did! There are so many reasons why CLs close. Apart from those I have mentioned- The CL owner reaches an age where they just give it up. They sell the land etc etc. 2018 beckons and this year I will be on Li Ion batteries which will be a massive leap forward regarding the power available to me. It was good before- now it will be on a different level. The EHU to me is as pointless as my hook up cable. I do really hope that CLs can be brought into the modern era by being allowed to increase the numbers on site ( controversial yes but I definitely  think it needs looking at) The old adage of Use it or lose it comes to mind! 

Merve, can you explain to me what you mean by modern technology, Are you refering to a solar panel or something perhaps I have not heard of?

I can't see where you came up with that interpretation of my post, hg. All the CL's that we've been on this trip have not raised their prices, do not appear to be considering going commercial, and seem to be doing fine, thank you very much, with full booking already for Easter and beyond in some cases.

Harry says there used to be "around 5000" CLs . The Club website says there are now "over 2000".  So those  of you who say that all is well and the system is thriving are puzzling me. The world of leisure activities and holidays seems to be changing fast to me. 

For the last 2 years we have been using more CL's than club sites. We have to have EHU due to OH using a cpap machine. I don't mind paying for a good site, but avoid CL's that want to charge the same as CMC sites with basic facilities in poor repair.

If I owned a small campsite would I join in a system which obliged me to turn away all the people people who had joined the wrong Club, and all those who were members of no Club at all, and all the people like my two daughters who can only afford a big tent ?  That's 75% of my clientele turned away. 

Or would I take all comers by setting  up a good website with great photos and buying in as many flattering reviews as possible by offering customers a free night's stay if they submitted something complimentary to all the usual channels? Yes, buy the reviews to get going  - they are vital. 

It's no wonder some CLs  are closing - certainly the ones in hopeless locations and the ones where the owners haven't got a clue how to run a small business. 

There are also other organisations using the 5 system now. How long before the NFU set up their system, as they provide most of the insurances to the Cl owners. If the club keeps sticking its head in the stand the decline will continue and many like  me will see no reason to be a member.

The decline could change after Brexit when (rumour has it) adequate farming subsidies will no longer be available. This might create an incentive for farmers/landowners to seek additional income, although not necessarily by affiliating themselves with a commercial 'club'.

I'm sorry but I rarely use CT nowadays due to its Clunky performance compared to other forums.  So forgive me because I am new to this thread, but to me the reason we are losing so many CL's is Quite obvious, - Its the 5 van limit!  The actual season for many caravaners, is quite short, 6 months at the outside.  For many CL's in the North of the Country it will be much shorter than that.  3-4 Months in reality.

So they will have perhaps on average 14 weeks in which to maximise their return, on only a maximum of 5 vans per night,  although most could if allowed, accommodate several more than that.

But they will have, in many cases gone to the expense of laying on 13 amp mains power to each pitch, water and septic tank etc.  The scales are heavily weighted towards LOSS!

Many will have realised that it is far better to go towards a small commercial site basis, with a significantly higher profit margin.

I have not used a club site now in over 2 years they have priced themselves out of contention as far as I am concerned.  My usage is 85% CL's and 15% small commercial.  I only remain a Caravan Club Member for access to CL's but at this rate, even that will not be worth while.  Its very sad, but the CC seems to have totally failed to recall its original concept of inexpensive caravan holidays.  Once Club sites exceeded £18 per night on average, I opted out!

TF

I think that the 5 van limit is the maximum number before full planning permission has to be sort and then there is a NIMBY problem to overcome.